Toner vs. Essence: What’s the Difference?

What’s the Difference Between a Toner and an Essence?

While a toner serves as a final step of your cleanse, an essence is more of a treatment and is used after toning. “Essences deliver active ingredients into the skin, and have smaller molecules than most serums and moisturizers,” she says. 

How to Find the Right Toner and Essence for You

For best results from both a toner and an essence, choosing products with ingredients that work for your skin type and address your top skin concerns is key. 

An editor-favorite for oily skin is the Thayers Rose Petal Facial Toner, which contains witch hazel and aloe vera. In an essence, Aguilar says that probiotics, niacinamide and tea tree can be beneficial. 

If you have dry skin, Aguilar suggests hydrating toners with ingredients such as rose, chamomile, aloe vera, glycerin and hyaluronic acid and without alcohol. Humectants like hyaluronic acid are also great to look for in an essence. Try the Kiehl’s Iris Extract Activating Treatment Essence, which helps hydrate (with hyaluronic acid) and improve rough skin texture and the appearance of fine lines.  

If brightening is at the top of your skin goals, she recommends trying a toner and an essence that feature ingredients that can help target discoloration and dullness like kojic acid, licorice root extract, phytic acid, mandelic acid and vitamin C.